Claim profile
2000-2099

The 21st century

Whose names filled the books of the 21st century - anyone at all, however long dead - counted as mentions per million words printed, so a period that simply published more does not inflate anyone.

Talked about then

Whose names appeared most in Chinese books during the 21st century - whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish28,833German4,206French3,995Italian2,097Spanish1,644Russian896Chinese287Hebrew151
  1. 1Mao ZedongMao Zedong1893-1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians114
  2. 2Deng XiaopingDeng Xiaoping1909-1997 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians61
  3. 3Lu XunLu Xun1881-1936 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers36
  4. 4Jiang ZeminJiang Zemin1926-2022 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians36
  5. 5Hu JintaoHu Jintaoborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians30
  6. 6Zhou EnlaiZhou Enlai1898-1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians26
  7. 7ConfuciusConfucius551 BC-479 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Academics19
  8. 8Sun Yat-senSun Yat-sen1866-1925 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians18
  9. 9Chen Shui-bianChen Shui-bianborn 1950 · 20th century · Politicians13
  10. 10Liu ShaoqiLiu Shaoqi1898-1969 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians13
  11. 11Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians12
  12. 12LaoziLaozi579 BC-500 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics11
  13. 13Lee Teng-huiLee Teng-hui1923-2020 · 20th century · Politicians10.0
  14. 14Lee Kuan YewLee Kuan Yew1923-2015 · 20th century · Politicians8.8
  15. 15Ma Ying-jeouMa Ying-jeouborn 1950 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians8.5
  16. 16Wen JiabaoWen Jiabaoborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians8.1
  17. 17Lin BiaoLin Biao1907-1971 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians5.7
  18. 18Zhu DeZhu De1886-1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians4.9
  19. 19Yuan ShikaiYuan Shikai1859-1916 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians4.6
  20. 20Jiang QingJiang Qing1914-1991 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Actors4.0
  21. 21Zhuang ZhouZhuang Zhou369 BC-288 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Academics3.9
  22. 22GMGao Ming1305-1370 · 14th century · Writers3.6
  23. 23Kang YouweiKang Youwei1858-1927 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians3.6
  24. 24Chiang Ching-kuoChiang Ching-kuo1910-1988 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians2.9
  25. 25Yan FuYan Fu1854-1921 · 19th century · Writers2.8
  26. 26Li KeqiangLi Keqiang1955-2023 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians2.7
  27. 27Zhao ZiyangZhao Ziyang1919-2005 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians2.2
  28. 28Tsai Ing-wenTsai Ing-wenborn 1956 · 20th century · Politicians1.8
  29. 29Li PengLi Peng1928-2019 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians1.8
  30. 30Sima QianSima Qian145 BC-86 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Writers1.7
  31. 31Jack MaJack Maborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Founders1.7
  32. 32Zhang YimouZhang Yimouborn 1950 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Directors1.6
  33. 33Soong Ching-lingSoong Ching-ling1893-1981 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians1.5
  34. 34Li HongzhangLi Hongzhang1823-1901 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians1.5
  35. 35Zhu XiZhu Xi1130-1200 · 12th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers1.4
  36. 36Chen-ning YangChen-ning Yang1922-2025 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Scientists1.3
  37. 37Zhu RongjiZhu Rongjiborn 1928 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians1.3
  38. 38Cao XueqinCao Xueqin1724-1760 · 18th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers1.2
  39. 39Qu YuanQu Yuan343 BC-278 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Writers1.2
  40. 40Li BaiLi Bai701-762 · 8th century · Writers1.2
  41. 41Dong ZhongshuDong Zhongshu179 BC-104 BC · 1st millennium BC · Politicians1.0
  42. 42MoziMozi470 BC-391 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics1.0
  43. 43Xun KuangXun Kuang313 BC-230 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics0.99
  44. 44KoxingaKoxinga1624-1662 · 17th century · 🇯🇵 Japan · Politicians0.99
  45. 45Zhuge LiangZhuge Liang181-234 · 3rd century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.98
  46. 46Mo YanMo Yanborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.93
  47. 47LSLi Si280 BC-208 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.90
  48. 48Hong XiuquanHong Xiuquan1814-1864 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.90
  49. 49Bruce LeeBruce Lee1940-1973 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors0.88
  50. 50Zheng HeZheng He1371-1433 · 15th century · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figures0.87
  51. 51Tao YuanmingTao Yuanming365-427 · 5th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.87
  52. 52Wang AnshiWang Anshi1021-1086 · 11th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.87
  53. 53Hai RuiHai Rui1514-1587 · 16th century0.86
  54. 54Du FuDu Fu712-770 · 8th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.78
  55. 55Jackie ChanJackie Chanborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors0.74
  56. 56Cao CaoCao Cao155-220 · 2nd century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.72
  57. 57Han YuHan Yu768-824 · 9th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.69
  58. 58Wang YiWang Yiborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.69
  59. 59Wang YangmingWang Yangming1472-1529 · 16th century · 🇨🇳 China · Academics0.65
  60. 60Lin YutangLin Yutang1895-1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.61
  61. 61Li QiangLi Qiangborn 1959 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.59
  62. 62Ouyang XiuOuyang Xiu1007-1072 · 11th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.58
  63. 63Gu YanwuGu Yanwu1613-1682 · 17th century · Writers0.55
  64. 64Zeng GuofanZeng Guofan1811-1872 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.54
  65. 65Su ShiSu Shi1037-1101 · 11th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.54
  66. 66Liu ZongyuanLiu Zongyuan773-819 · 9th century · Writers0.52
  67. 67Emperor Wu of HanEmperor Wu of Han156 BC-87 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.51
  68. 68Wang FuzhiWang Fuzhi1619-1692 · 17th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.51
  69. 69Liu BeiLiu Bei161-223 · 2nd century0.49
  70. 70Huang ZongxiHuang Zongxi1610-1695 · 17th century · Academics0.49
  71. 71Wu ZetianWu Zetian624-705 · 7th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.48
  72. 72Lin Tse-hsuLin Tse-hsu1785-1850 · 19th century · Politicians0.48
  73. 73Li ZichengLi Zicheng1606-1645 · 17th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.47
  74. 74Wang XizhiWang Xizhi321-361 · 4th century · 🇨🇳 China · Artists0.45
  75. 75Liu XiangLiu Xiangborn 1983 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Athletes0.45
  76. 76Yao MingYao Mingborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Basketball Players0.44
  77. 77Hongwu EmperorHongwu Emperor1328-1398 · 14th century · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figures0.43
  78. 78Jia YiJia Yi200 BC-168 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.43
  79. 79Hua GuofengHua Guofeng1921-2008 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.43
  80. 80Pu SonglingPu Songling1640-1715 · 17th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.42
  81. 81Tan SitongTan Sitong1865-1898 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Academics0.39
  82. 82Xu XiakeXu Xiake1587-1641 · 17th century · Historical Figures0.39
  83. 83Gui YouguangGui Youguang1506-1571 · 16th century · Politicians0.39
  84. 84Zhang ZhidongZhang Zhidong1837-1909 · 19th century · Politicians0.38
  85. 85Emperor Taizong of TangEmperor Taizong of Tang598-649 · 7th century · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figures0.35
  86. 86Pang DePang De170-219 · 3rd century0.35
  87. 87Ma HuatengMa Huatengborn 1971 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Founders0.34
  88. 88Kim Il-sungKim Il-sung1912-1994 · 20th century · Politicians0.33
  89. 89Wen TianxiangWen Tianxiang1236-1283 · 13th century · Politicians0.31
  90. 90Ma LongMa Longborn 1988 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Actors0.30
  91. 91Li NaLi Naborn 1982 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Tennis Players0.29
  92. 92Gao XingjianGao Xingjianborn 1940 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.29
  93. 93ZengziZengzi504 BC-435 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics0.29
  94. 94Liu XiaoboLiu Xiaobo1955-2017 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.28
  95. 95Teresa TengTeresa Teng1953-1995 · 20th century · Musicians0.27
  96. 96WCWang Chong27-97 · 1st century · Scientists0.27
  97. 97Zuo ZongtangZuo Zongtang1812-1885 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.26
  98. 98Bai JuyiBai Juyi772-846 · 9th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.25
  99. 99Park Chung-heePark Chung-hee1917-1979 · 20th century · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Politicians0.24
  100. 100Guan ZhongGuan Zhong720 BC-645 BC · 1st millennium BC · Politicians0.24

Most read

Who people actually looked up in the 21st century, across the Wikipedia editions we measure (2015-2026 only - readership is measured from July 2015).

  1. 1Donald TrumpDonald Trumpborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians335M
  2. 2CleopatraCleopatra69 BC-30 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Historical Figures282.5M
  3. 3Elizabeth IIElizabeth II1926-2022 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures222.7M
  4. 4Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldoborn 1985 · 21st century · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Footballers210.9M
  5. 5Elon MuskElon Muskborn 1971 · 21st century · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Founders207.1M
  6. 6Lionel MessiLionel Messiborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers177.9M
  7. 7Vladimir PutinVladimir Putinborn 1952 · 20th century · Politicians135.6M
  8. 8Joe BidenJoe Bidenborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians123.7M
  9. 9XXXTentacionXXXTentacion1998-2018 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians123M
  10. 10Freddie MercuryFreddie Mercury1946-1991 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians122.3M
  11. 11Jeffrey DahmerJeffrey Dahmer1960-1994 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures119.7M
  12. 12Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler1889-1945 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Politicians118M
  13. 13Taylor SwiftTaylor Swiftborn 1989 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians117.2M
  14. 14Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians115.4M
  15. 15Pablo EscobarPablo Escobar1949-1993 · 20th century · Politicians114.1M
  16. 16Michael JacksonMichael Jackson1958-2009 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians113.5M
  17. 17Kamala HarrisKamala Harrisborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians113.5M
  18. 18Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors110.8M
  19. 19Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819-1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured105.1M
  20. 20Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors102.9M
  21. 21Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh1921-2021 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom101.8M
  22. 22Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935-1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians99.3M
  23. 23LeBron JamesLeBron Jamesborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players99M
  24. 24Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors98.7M
  25. 25Jeffrey EpsteinJeffrey Epstein1953-2019 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Business Professionals98.4M
  26. 26Michael JordanMichael Jordanborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players98.2M
  27. 27Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians97.7M
  28. 28Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors94.5M
  29. 29Princess Margaret, Countess of SnowdonPrincess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon1930-2002 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures92.8M
  30. 30Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91.4M
  31. 31Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91M
  32. 32George VIGeorge VI1895-1952 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures90.2M
  33. 33Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942-2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists89.6M
  34. 34Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961-1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures89.2M
  35. 35Ted BundyTed Bundy1946-1989 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures87.9M
  36. 36Tom BradyTom Bradyborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes87.6M
  37. 37EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians86.7M
  38. 38Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors86.5M
  39. 39Kobe BryantKobe Bryant1978-2020 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players86.2M
  40. 40Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers84.9M
  41. 41Ryan ReynoldsRyan Reynoldsborn 1976 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors84.3M
  42. 42John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy1917-1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians83.4M
  43. 43Melania TrumpMelania Trumpborn 1970 · 21st century · Models83M
  44. 44Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians82.9M
  45. 45Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879-1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists82.8M
  46. 46ZendayaZendayaborn 1996 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors81.9M
  47. 47Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors80.6M
  48. 48Billie EilishBillie Eilishborn 2001 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians80.1M
  49. 49Jason MomoaJason Momoaborn 1979 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.9M
  50. 50Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874-1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians78.8M
  51. 51Jeff BezosJeff Bezosborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders78.7M
  52. 52Jennifer AnistonJennifer Anistonborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.7M
  53. 53Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin1878-1953 · 20th century · Politicians78.3M
  54. 54Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.3M
  55. 55Muhammad AliMuhammad Ali1942-2016 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes77.8M
  56. 56Kim KardashianKim Kardashianborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors76.9M
  57. 57Steve JobsSteve Jobs1955-2011 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders76.2M
  58. 58Kanye WestKanye Westborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians75.7M
  59. 59Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926-1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors75.2M
  60. 60O. J. SimpsonO. J. Simpson1947-2024 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes75.1M
  61. 61Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi1869-1948 · 20th century · 🇮🇳 India · Activists74.9M
  62. 62David BowieDavid Bowie1947-2016 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians74.5M
  63. 63Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors73.1M
  64. 64Conor McGregorConor McGregorborn 1988 · 21st century · Athletes73.1M
  65. 65NapoleonNapoleon1769-1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures72.9M
  66. 66Tupac ShakurTupac Shakur1971-1996 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians72.7M
  67. 67Angelina JolieAngelina Jolieborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors72.4M
  68. 68Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopezborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians71.8M
  69. 69Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter1924-2024 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians71.7M
  70. 70Margot RobbieMargot Robbieborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors71.4M
  71. 71Edward VIIIEdward VIII1894-1972 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures71.2M
  72. 72Mia KhalifaMia Khalifaborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actorsnot measured71M
  73. 73Bruce LeeBruce Lee1940-1973 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors70.9M
  74. 74Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln1809-1865 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians70.1M
  75. 75Charles MansonCharles Manson1934-2017 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians69.7M
  76. 76Justin BieberJustin Bieberborn 1994 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians69.6M
  77. 77Amber HeardAmber Heardborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors69.3M
  78. 78Dua LipaDua Lipaborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians69.2M
  79. 79Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan1911-2004 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians69.1M
  80. 80Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players69M
  81. 81Millie Bobby BrownMillie Bobby Brownborn 2004 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors68.8M
  82. 82Charles, Prince of WalesCharles, Prince of Walesborn 1948 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures68.7M
  83. 83Blake LivelyBlake Livelyborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.4M
  84. 84Jennifer LawrenceJennifer Lawrenceborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.3M
  85. 85ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians67.7M
  86. 86Heath LedgerHeath Ledger1979-2008 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors67.6M
  87. 87Selena GomezSelena Gomezborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians67.2M
  88. 88Timothée ChalametTimothée Chalametborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors67.2M
  89. 89Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951-2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors66.8M
  90. 90RihannaRihannaborn 1988 · 21st century · Musicians66.6M
  91. 91Mike TysonMike Tysonborn 1966 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes66.5M
  92. 92J. Robert OppenheimerJ. Robert Oppenheimer1904-1967 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists66.2M
  93. 93Tom HardyTom Hardyborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors66.1M
  94. 94John CenaJohn Cenaborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes65.6M
  95. 95Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players65.5M
  96. 96Tom HanksTom Hanksborn 1956 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors65.2M
  97. 97Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians65M
  98. 98Pope FrancisPope Francis1936-2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured64.3M
  99. 99BeyoncéBeyoncéborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians64.3M
  100. 100Ryan GoslingRyan Goslingborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors64.3M

Lived then

The most notable people whose working lives fell in the 21st century, ranked where Wikipedia coverage and readership agree.

CountryAll🇺🇸 United States🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇪🇸 Spain🇫🇷 France🇩🇪 Germany🇨🇦 Canada🇧🇷 Brazil🇮🇹 Italy🇦🇷 Argentina🇦🇺 Australia
FieldAllActorsFootballersMusiciansPoliticiansAthletesTennis PlayersModelsDirectorsBasketball PlayersWriters
  1. 1Lionel MessiLionel Messiborn 1987 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers1 decades
  2. 2Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldoborn 1985 · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Footballers2 decades
  3. 3Elon MuskElon Muskborn 1971 · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Founders1 decades
  4. 4ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians3 decades
  5. 5Volodymyr ZelenskyVolodymyr Zelenskyborn 1978 · Politicians0 decades
  6. 6Michael SchumacherMichael Schumacherborn 1969 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Athletes3 decades
  7. 7Taylor SwiftTaylor Swiftborn 1989 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  8. 8Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · Tennis Players1 decades
  9. 9NeymarNeymarborn 1992 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers1 decades
  10. 10Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  11. 11Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidaneborn 1972 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers3 decades
  12. 12Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  13. 13Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  14. 14Celine DionCeline Dionborn 1968 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians1 decades
  15. 15Dmitry MedvedevDmitry Medvedevborn 1965 · Politicians3 decades
  16. 16Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors2 decades
  17. 17Giorgia MeloniGiorgia Meloniborn 1977 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians2 decades
  18. 18Natalie PortmanNatalie Portmanborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors2 decades
  19. 19Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players2 decades
  20. 20Melania TrumpMelania Trumpborn 1970 · Models1 decades
  21. 21Angelina JolieAngelina Jolieborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors2 decades
  22. 22RihannaRihannaborn 1988 · Musicians2 decades
  23. 23RonaldoRonaldoborn 1976 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballersnot measured-
  24. 24RonaldinhoRonaldinhoborn 1980 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers3 decades
  25. 25Roger FedererRoger Federerborn 1981 · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Tennis Players2 decades
  26. 26Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  27. 27J. D. VanceJ. D. Vanceborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politiciansnot measured-
  28. 28Emma WatsonEmma Watsonborn 1990 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Models1 decades
  29. 29EminemEminemborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians2 decades
  30. 30Tom HollandTom Hollandborn 1996 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  31. 31Julia RobertsJulia Robertsborn 1967 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  32. 32Alexei NavalnyAlexei Navalny1976-2024 · Politicians1 decades
  33. 33Zlatan IbrahimovićZlatan Ibrahimovićborn 1981 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers0 decades
  34. 34Amy WinehouseAmy Winehouse1983-2011 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians1 decades
  35. 35Dua LipaDua Lipaborn 1995 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians0 decades
  36. 36Marine Le PenMarine Le Penborn 1968 · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians2 decades
  37. 37Justin TrudeauJustin Trudeauborn 1971 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Politicians1 decades
  38. 38Nicole KidmanNicole Kidmanborn 1967 · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors3 decades
  39. 39Charlize TheronCharlize Theronborn 1975 · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Actors2 decades
  40. 40ZendayaZendayaborn 1996 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors0 decades
  41. 41Lewis HamiltonLewis Hamiltonborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes1 decades
  42. 42Felipe VI of SpainFelipe VI of Spainborn 1968 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0 decades
  43. 43Katy PerryKaty Perryborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  44. 44Heath LedgerHeath Ledger1979-2008 · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors2 decades
  45. 45Matt DamonMatt Damonborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  46. 46Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors1 decades
  47. 47Billie EilishBillie Eilishborn 2001 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians0 decades
  48. 48Lamine YamalLamine Yamalborn 2007 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballersnot measured-
  49. 49Pedro SánchezPedro Sánchezborn 1972 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians5 decades
  50. 50Jennifer LawrenceJennifer Lawrenceborn 1990 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors1 decades
  51. 51Mark ZuckerbergMark Zuckerbergborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders1 decades
  52. 52Christopher NolanChristopher Nolanborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors2 decades
  53. 53Justin BieberJustin Bieberborn 1994 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians1 decades
  54. 54Greta ThunbergGreta Thunbergborn 2003 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Activists0 decades
  55. 55Kim Jong-unKim Jong-unborn 1984 · Politicians1 decades
  56. 56Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopezborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians3 decades
  57. 57David BeckhamDavid Beckhamborn 1975 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballers2 decades
  58. 58Penélope CruzPenélope Cruzborn 1974 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors3 decades
  59. 59Keira KnightleyKeira Knightleyborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  60. 60Antoine GriezmannAntoine Griezmannborn 1991 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  61. 61BeyoncéBeyoncéborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians2 decades
  62. 62Fernando AlonsoFernando Alonsoborn 1981 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Athletes4 decades
  63. 63Miley CyrusMiley Cyrusborn 1992 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  64. 64Bradley CooperBradley Cooperborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors1 decades
  65. 65Selena GomezSelena Gomezborn 1992 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  66. 66Bashar al-AssadBashar al-Assadborn 1965 · Politicians2 decades
  67. 67J. K. RowlingJ. K. Rowlingborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers2 decades
  68. 68Karim BenzemaKarim Benzemaborn 1987 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  69. 69Kate WinsletKate Winsletborn 1975 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  70. 70Jason StathamJason Stathamborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  71. 71Kim KardashianKim Kardashianborn 1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors1 decades
  72. 72Daniel CraigDaniel Craigborn 1968 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  73. 73Pamela AndersonPamela Andersonborn 1967 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors3 decades
  74. 74Max VerstappenMax Verstappenborn 1997 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Athletes0 decades
  75. 75Will SmithWill Smithborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  76. 76Robert LewandowskiRobert Lewandowskiborn 1988 · Footballers0 decades
  77. 77Ben AffleckBen Affleckborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors2 decades
  78. 78Harry KaneHarry Kaneborn 1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballers0 decades
  79. 79Olivier GiroudOlivier Giroudborn 1986 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  80. 80Serena WilliamsSerena Williamsborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Tennis Players2 decades
  81. 81Luka ModrićLuka Modrićborn 1985 · Footballers0 decades
  82. 82Cameron DiazCameron Diazborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  83. 83Thierry HenryThierry Henryborn 1977 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  84. 84Manuel NeuerManuel Neuerborn 1986 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  85. 85Erling HaalandErling Haalandborn 2000 · 🇳🇴 Norway · Footballersnot measured-
  86. 86LeBron JamesLeBron Jamesborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players2 decades
  87. 87Cate BlanchettCate Blanchettborn 1969 · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors2 decades
  88. 88Emma StoneEmma Stoneborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors1 decades
  89. 89Thomas MüllerThomas Müllerborn 1989 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers4 decades
  90. 90Chester BenningtonChester Bennington1976-2017 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians0 decades
  91. 91Daniel RadcliffeDaniel Radcliffeborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  92. 92Javier MileiJavier Mileiborn 1970 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Academicsnot measured-
  93. 93Robbie WilliamsRobbie Williamsborn 1974 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians2 decades
  94. 94James RodríguezJames Rodríguezborn 1991 · Footballers1 decades
  95. 95Winona RyderWinona Ryderborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  96. 96AviciiAvicii1989-2018 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musicians0 decades
  97. 97Mohamed SalahMohamed Salahborn 1992 · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Footballers0 decades
  98. 98Marion CotillardMarion Cotillardborn 1975 · 🇫🇷 France · Actors2 decades
  99. 99Pep GuardiolaPep Guardiolaborn 1971 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers1 decades
  100. 100Gianluigi BuffonGianluigi Buffonborn 1978 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers2 decades

How this is measured

  • Placing people in time. Each person belongs to the century in which they were most active - around age 35, and never after their death.
  • Who ranks highest. Within a century, people are ranked where two independent signals agree: how many of the world’s Wikipedia language editions cover them, and how many people actually read about them. Article counts alone can be lifted by a person’s own circle; readers cannot.
  • Fame in print. The curves count how often a name appears in Google Books from 1800 to 2019, as a share of all the words printed each year, in the person’s own language wherever that corpus exists. Those decades are over, so each measurement is made once and kept.
  • What is left out. A lifetime is measured only from 1820, when there is enough print to judge; the five years after a death are skipped as obituaries; and a name shared with someone equally notable is credited to neither.